Tell What You Hear and See

Sunday, December 15

By Kris Judd of Kansas City, Missouri, USA

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciple and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

—Matthew 11:2–6

Have you ever been called to testify in a court of law about something you’ve witnessed? I have nervously gone to court several times, ready to share my story, but have never had to speak. The standard line given to witnesses is “share with the court what you saw or heard.” Witnesses are not to convince the jury or judge, but merely tell the truth and the truth will speak for itself.

In today’s scripture, Jesus challenged John’s disciples to be witnesses of what they had experienced of Christ’s ministry. They were not asked to quote scripture or share a list of basic beliefs, but to tell what their own eyes had seen and what their ears had heard. Their lives themselves were to speak of what Christ was doing through them and among them.

Like the disciples who spent time with Jesus, we are called to be witnesses of what we have seen and heard. Are we watching and listening for how God’s spirit is at work in our world? Are we paying attention to what the spirit of the Living Christ is doing through us and within us? We are not called to convince, but merely tell the truth, and the truth will speak for itself.

Prayer for PeaceGod of truth, make of us witness of our experiences with Christ. May we share the joy of our life with him. May we share Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: LoveReflect on the love of God. How is it that God sent Christ to be “all our loves exceeding?” How do you see God’s love revealed in Christ? How is God’s love revealed in your own life? Think of ways you can express that love as you prepare for the Son of God—love’s pure light? Thank God for the ultimate gift of love: Jesus Christ.

Peace CovenantToday, God, I will witness of what I know, not of what I hear.